Strategies To Encourage Mushroom Fruiting

Mushroom fruiting is the process of forcing the substrate to produce fruit bodies, or the actual mushrooms themselves. The fruit body of a mushroom is the visible, above-ground section of the fungus, with mature fruit bodies featuring a cap, ring, stalk, volva, and gills. The cap typically stores the spores, which can be thought of as the seeds of mushrooms. To successfully trigger mushroom fruiting, it is important to understand the conditions needed for mushrooms to thrive and produce fruit. These include temperature, humidity, lighting, and air circulation.

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The importance of temperature, humidity, and light

Temperature, humidity, and light are crucial factors in creating the perfect environment for mushrooms to thrive and fruit. Mushrooms can sense changes in their environment, triggering the fruiting process. Therefore, it is essential to carefully monitor and maintain these conditions to give yourself the best chance of success.

Temperature plays an essential role in successful mushroom growth. Most mushroom species require a lower temperature than their optimal growth temperature during the colonisation period, which usually corresponds to a drop in temperature and an increase in humidity in their natural environment. To induce fruiting, the temperature should be lowered by about 10 degrees F, with species-specific temperatures ranging from 50-75°F (10-24°C).

Maintaining high humidity levels of around 85-95% is critical to stimulating fruiting. Humidity levels impact the development of the mushroom's fruit bodies and pinning, which is the first formation of the fruit body. High humidity is typically achieved through misting the substrate or using humidifiers in mushroom fruiting chambers. However, it is important to avoid over-misting, as indicated by puddles or pools of water, as this can hinder mushroom growth.

Light exposure varies depending on the mushroom species. Some mushrooms, like button mushrooms, grow in the dark but require light during the fruiting phase. Most kinds of light work, including fluorescent bulbs and indirect sunlight. Rotating the chamber when using indirect sunlight ensures all sides receive equal light exposure and promotes higher yields. Artificial light can be used in 12-hour cycles to simulate the wild, although some argue that constant light exposure is preferable. Adequate lighting is essential for mushroom development and colour, as insufficient light can result in paler mushrooms with reduced vitamin D content.

Fresh air exchange and ventilation

Mushrooms grow by consuming oxygen (O2) and releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). In an enclosed space, the growing mushrooms can deplete the available oxygen, impeding their growth and even suffocating the mycelium. Therefore, it is essential to ensure a continuous supply of fresh oxygen and the removal of CO2 through proper ventilation.

Ventilation systems play a crucial role in maintaining the right levels of temperature, humidity, and CO2, which are essential for mushroom growth. High CO2 levels can cause elongated and deformed stems, while excessive humidity encourages contamination and mould growth. Continuous ventilation helps maintain a stable microclimate, and the use of fans ensures even air distribution throughout the growing area.

To achieve efficient air ventilation and fresh air exchange, several components are essential:

• Fresh Air Exchange Fan: A high-quality fan introduces fresh air into the growing environment, maintaining oxygen levels and removing stale air to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
• Mushroom Exhaust Fan: This fan removes excess humidity and CO2 from the fruiting chamber, controlling moisture levels and preventing mould or bacterial growth.
• Laminar Flow Hood/Cabinet: These components provide a sterile environment for working with mushroom cultures, utilizing HEPA filters to ensure a constant supply of clean air and minimize contamination risks.
• Ducting: Properly sized ducts and vents distribute fresh air evenly, preventing stagnant pockets of air that can hinder mushroom growth.

The need for fresh air exchange increases during the fruiting phase, as the mushrooms require ample oxygen for optimal development. Inadequate ventilation can lead to poor mushroom morphology, reduced yields, and contamination issues. Therefore, continuous monitoring of CO2, air temperature, and humidity levels is essential to ensure a successful mushroom harvest.

Choosing the right substrate

There are various substrates to choose from, and each has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some popular options:

Straw

Straw is a widely used and effective substrate for growing mushrooms, particularly oyster mushrooms. It provides structure and bulk to the substrate. Straw is also inexpensive and easily accessible. However, it requires pasteurization to eliminate unwanted bacteria and ensure an optimal environment for mushroom growth.

Hardwood Sawdust

Hardwood sawdust is another common substrate, favoured by shiitake mushrooms. It provides ideal conditions for shiitake mycelium growth. This substrate often requires sterilization to prevent mould contamination, especially if supplemented with bran or other nutritious additives.

Wood Chips or Pellets

Wood chips or pellets offer a long-lasting substrate with good structure and nutrition. They are convenient, as they expand when hydrated, creating an optimal growing medium. Wood chips are also natural, easy to source, and affordable. However, they may require longer colonization times, typically taking several months.

Manure

Manure-based substrates, such as cow, horse, or sheep manure, are nutrient-rich and provide an excellent growing medium for mushrooms. Manure is a natural fertilizer, encouraging strong mycelial growth and potentially higher yields. Additionally, using manure is eco-friendly as it recycles waste from livestock farming.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can also be used as a substrate for mushroom growth. While less conventional, they provide an effective medium for mushroom cultivation.

It is worth noting that the preparation methods for each substrate may vary. Some substrates require pasteurization or sterilization to minimize contamination risks and ensure optimal growing conditions. Additionally, the moisture content and supplementation levels can be adjusted to find the right balance for each mushroom species.

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Providing nutrients and misting

To provide the necessary nutrients, you should start by selecting a suitable substrate for your mushrooms. The substrate serves as the growing medium and can vary depending on the mushroom species. For example, shiitake mushrooms typically grow on hardwood logs, but they can also be cultivated using sawdust or similar substrates. It is important to ensure that the substrate is fully colonized by the mycelium before initiating the fruiting process.

Misting plays a vital role in maintaining humidity levels and providing moisture for mushroom fruiting. The humidity should be maintained at a high level, generally between 85% and 95% relative humidity. Misting the substrate with clean or distilled water helps prevent drying and promotes the formation of "pins," which are the initial stage of mushroom fruiting.

It is important to monitor the humidity closely, as excessive misting can lead to puddles or pools of water, indicating that the humidity is too high. Maintaining proper ventilation and air circulation is essential to manage humidity levels effectively. This can be achieved through the use of fans or by creating air exchange holes in the fruiting chamber.

Additionally, misting the inside of the fruiting chamber or container can help simulate a natural environment and encourage fruiting. For example, misting a plastic bag or container with water and creating visible water droplets can provide the necessary moisture and humidity for mushroom development.

By providing adequate nutrients through the right substrate and maintaining optimal humidity levels through careful misting, you can create the ideal conditions to trigger mushroom fruiting successfully. Remember to monitor the growing environment closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure the mushrooms receive the care they need to thrive.

Fruiting chambers and containers

A mushroom fruiting chamber is a simulated environment that creates the ideal conditions for mushrooms to fruit. It needs the right lighting, temperature, CO2 levels, and humidity. Fruiting chambers can be purchased or made at home, and there are many different types. Monotub chambers, for instance, are common for small-scale growers. A large plastic container is filled with the substrate with holes drilled into its sides. A simple plastic bag can also be used as a fruiting chamber.

Hydroponic tents are a good first step to larger-scale growing. Wood frames with plastic sheeting keep in humidity and are makeshift fruiting chambers. The type of fruiting chamber you choose depends on your budget, the scale of your operation, and the kinds of mushrooms you want to grow.

If you are growing mushrooms in containers, a plastic storage container can be used as your fruiting vessel. The plastic tub should be as clean as possible before placing your mushroom block in it. Wash it out with hot water and detergent, or use a mix of 70% iso-alcohol and 30% water in a spray bottle to sterilize it and then wipe it down with a clean paper towel. Once the tub is clean, place your block in the tub and then open it once per day to give it some air and a few quick squirts with a hand mister. You can take the lid off the container and use it as a fan to help circulate oxygen. This method works better when the weather is warmer, as liquid is less likely to pool in the bottom of the container.

Another method is to skewer the blocks on spikes in the container to keep them off the bottom and prevent them from sliding around or toppling over. The container can be placed inside or outside, as long as it is not in direct sunlight. A clear container means that the mushrooms will get some sunlight and contain more vitamin D.

Frequently asked questions